The NFL's regular season is rapidly approaching, meaning that rosters are beginning to take shape. The Patriots, who have had a very active and surprising offseason and preseason, have turned a few heads with the transactions that they've made.

The Patriots released two-time Pro Bowl safety Brandon Meriweather on Saturday, two days after falling to the Giants 18-17 in their preseason finale. The Pats reportedly explored trading the unpredictable defensive back but weren't able to find any suitors.

The Pats also parted ways with wide receiver Brandon Tate, who has shown flashes of explosiveness in the past, particularly when returning kicks.

Sammy Morris, a very respected veteran running back, was a roster casualty as well. Morris could always return to the organization at some point, but the Pats currently have a lot of depth at the position.

When you consider the team also released safety James Sanders last week and have brought some big-name players in, things have been rather wild in Foxboro lately.

Only time will tell the impact that Chad Ochocinco and Albert Haynesworth — the two most notable acquisitions — will have with the team, but expectations are certainly through the roof for this season, as is always the case with Bill Belichick's bunch.

The Pats looked dominant in their first two preseason games, routing Jacksonville and Tampa Bay, but they've sputtered against the Lions and Giants in the last two games. Is there cause for concern? Well, that would depend on who you ask. But you can bet the Pats are just focused on the upcoming regular season, which kicks off next Monday (Sept. 12) when the team travels to Miami.